[Australia antigen and viral hepatitis. Clinico-statistical considerations]

204 cases of viral hepatitis, 192 related to the MS1 form and 12 to MS2, were studied for the presence of Au. antigen and possible relations between this and the course of the disease. The antigen was encountered in 12 cases of the first group (6.2%) and in 7 of the second (58.3%). The disease was more serious and developed more slowly in Au.-positive cases compared to negative cases, it was also observed that only after the disappearance of the antigen from the serum was clinical cure possible.